2018 Ethno Med, 12(1): 17-26 (2018) DOI:10.1080/09735070.2018.1424515 Exploring the Variety of Contributing Factors to Escalating Infections of HIV/AIDS in Nkonkobe Local Municipality in Golf Course Z. Ntshongwana1, Z. Dakada2, A. Mandla3, T. Matwa4, C. L. Mkrozwana5 and Akeem Adewale Oyelana6 1,2,3,4,5Department of Social Work/Social Development, University of Fort Hare, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, Alice-5700, South Africa 6Department of Public Administration, University of Fort Hare, P.B. X1314, Eastern Cape, Alice-5700, South Africa E-mail: 1<
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[email protected]> KEYWORDS AIDS. HIV Infection. HIV Positive. PLWHA ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to explore the variety of contributing factors to escalating infections of HIV/ AIDS in Golf Course, Alice in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Social learning theory was used to explain the contributing factors to the rising number of people infected with HIV/AIDS. This paper used quantitative method and simple random sampling was employed with fifty (50) respondents from 18-35 years old. Data was collected through questionnaires and was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents have sexual partners because they want to experience sex, and the minority does not have partners because of their religious affiliations, culture and norms. The paper concludes that even though there are existing initiatives to reduce HIV/AIDS escalation, people do not protect themselves and they tend to ignore what they have been taught by medical practitioners and others in their support groups.